It can also use environmental conditions including the temperature of the water and chlorophyll levels to work out where the fish will be. With the fish come the fisherman so narrowing down the areas that authorities have to search will help them to locate illegal operations.

“Through the Dark Vessel Detection programme, we're partnering with other ocean nations to better detect and prevent illegal fishing around the world,” Jordan adds.

A similar pilot programme was launched earlier this year to track dark vessels in Costa Rica and the Bahamas. So far the Canadian Government says it has resulted in big fines for five ships found to be operating outside of the law.

The team hopes to expand the partnership to include other coastal and island nations around the world impacted by the unregulated practice.